February 13, 2006

For More Information, Contact: Keith Gentry (901) 333-4114/ (901) 619-1899 / Kimberly Kreider (901) 333-4023

SOUTHWEST BASEBALL TEAM TAKES ON BEVILL STATE IN HOME OPENER
Release written by Keith Gentry

The Southwest will play its first home game of the 2006 season this Wednesday, February 15 when the Saluqis play Bevill State-Fayette (AL) at 3 p.m. single game at Tony Gagliano Memorial Field. Southwest opened its season last week by winning two of three games at Baton Rouge Community College, losing 16-8 in a single game on Sunday, February 5 then sweeping a doubleheader on Monday, February 6 by scores of 9-6 and 11-7.

The Saluqis produced offensively the entire series against Baton Rouge, pounding out 46 hits including 20 for extra bases in the three game set. Top hitters for Southwest were freshman shortstop Philip Gibson (.643 average, 7 runs scored), sophomore right fielder Jon Thurston (.643, 3 doubles, 2 triples) and sophomore centerfielder Derrick McBride (.533 average, 4 doubles, 12 runs batted in).

Several pitchers also had solid outings against Baton Rouge, including sophomores Jason Adams and Chris Crenshaw who combined for the Saluqis’ first win of the season. In Southwest’s second win, sophomore Darren Wills and freshman Zac LaBarreare also pitched well, allowing only one earned run in eight innings.